Rafael Nadal: The warrior next door
Rafael Nadal: The warrior next door
Wesley Koolhof made sure to remind everyone that Rafael Nadal wasn’t the only one retiring from professional tennis this week at the Davis Cup in Malaga.
The 35-year-old, competing in his final tour-level event, teamed up with Botic van de Zandschulp to secure a vital 7-6(4), 7-6(3) victory over Carlos Alcaraz and Marcel Granollers on Tuesday evening to book The Netherland’s spot in the semi-finals. Defeat for Spain ensured that Nadal’s straight-sets loss to Van de Zandschulp in the first singles rubber was the 22-time Grand Slam champion’s final match as a pro.
“I reached a very, very high level today, which I am very happy about,” said Koolhof. “I think we, as a team, did an amazing job again. Botic told me he struggled on returns, but as long as he made it on match point, I’m happy. This was one of my best matches of the year. I’m looking forward to the next one.”
A bullet return from @wesleykoolhof 💥@DavisCup | #DavisCuppic.twitter.com/ty0nr0Re3T
— ATP Tour (@atptour) November 19, 2024
Producing assured tennis on both serve and return to keep his playing career alive, Koolhof was at the heart of their two-hour, 12-minute victory. A string of sizzling return winners and classy net play in key moments sent the Dutch duo on their way to reaching the last four in the Davis Cup for the first time since 2001.
“Wesley helped me a lot there, he returned unbelievably,” said Van de Zandschulp. “He played amazing, it’s a shame he is going to retire after this event. We could use him next year. It’s been an incredible day.”
Alcaraz, the No. 3 in the PIF ATP Rankings, had levelled the quarter-final tie at 1-1 with his triumph over Tallon Griekspoor, and it seemed as if he was pulling Spain to an epic comeback when he fired a forehand winner to break Van de Zandschulp’s serve in the second set. The tactical input and emotional support from Nadal on the sidelines didn’t prove enough, however, as the Dutch duo refused to roll over.
[NEWSLETTER FORM]To celebrate the end of Rafael Nadal’s historic career at this week’s Davis Cup Final 8, ATPTour.com is publishing a series of articles paying tribute to the Spaniard. View our #RafaSiempre series.
“Gracias, Rafa!”
The thousands of fans packing out Malaga’s Palacio de Deportes José María Martín Carpena chanted in unison on Tuesday evening, vocalising the feelings of the entire sporting world to become a wall of affection for Rafael Nadal, whose glittering career had just concluded.
Surrounded by his teammates, with whom he had just bowed out of the battle for the famous Salad Bowl in the quarter-finals of the Davis Cup, the Spaniard addressed the centre court with his final farewell to professional tennis.
“I’m the one who should be thankful… to so many people that it’s difficult to know where to start,” began Nadal, while the universally unmistakable “Vamos, Rafa!” chant rang out.
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It was to those singing his name, giving their hero a standing ovation, that he first spoke. “Honestly, it’s been 20 years of a professional career in which you have always buoyed me, during good moments you helped me win the next point and in difficult moments you pushed me to keep fighting. In Spain and in the world in general, I’ve felt super fortunate to receive so much affection.”
Nadal congratulated the opposing team for progressing to the semi-finals, but also his teammates, so many of whom were with him for a large stretch of his time on tour.
“I’d like to thank the entire Spanish team who are here. All of you have allowed me to play in this Davis Cup. It didn’t turn out as we wanted, I gave everything I had,” he said of their performances in the Final 8. “Many of the most emotional moments of my career have been with many of the people who are here, it’s been a huge privilege. We’ve achieved so many amazing things together and now it’s time for you all to keep achieving them.”
The words represented the handing over of the baton and the conclusion of his incalculable legacy. Nadal has made way for the new generations, as every great sportsman must do. The 38-year-old explained: “The reality is that you never want this moment to come, I’m not tired of playing tennis, but my body doesn’t want to play tennis anymore.
“You have to accept the situation, I feel super privileged. I’ve been able to make one of my hobbies into my career, and it was much longer than I would have imagined. I can only be grateful to life,” he added.
Nadal did not forget his sponsors, the press, the tennis institutions and the tennis industry. He also had words for the friends he has found in the sport, but above all, he had a very special message for those closest to him, his family and team, who were in the stands.
There are no words to thank you enough for what you’ve done to the sport.
Gracias, Rafa ❤️@RafaelNadal | #RafaSiempre
— ATP Tour (@atptour) November 19, 2024
“I’m calm because I received an education that allows me to approach [my new life] with peace of mind. I have a great family around me who help me,” he said to his loved ones with a tear in his eye.
Squatting in the middle of the court, Nadal then watched video messages of affection from many of those who have been around him throughout his career. Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray, as well as the likes of Serena Williams, Andrés Iniesta, Iker Casillas, David Beckham, Rodrigo Hernández, Conchita Martínez and Sergio García.
Before leaving the court, his captain, friend and teammate, David Ferrer, gave him a final send-off.
“We’ll miss you so much, that ‘Vamos, Rafa!’ will never be forgotten. You’ve provided a role model for any person or player to aspire to,” he said. “I always say that the best way to learn is by example and you’ve been our example. There are people who are remembered for their achievements, some until the end of their lives, and others eternally. You will be the latter.”
19 November 2024 will forever be remembered as the day that one of the biggest stars ever to grace the ATP Tour had his swansong. Meanwhile, the entire sporting world chants in unison: ‘Vamos Rafa! Gracias, Rafa!’
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It was not an easy situation to handle, even for Rafael Nadal, who has proven throughout his career that he has an extraordinary ability to manage his emotions. Before taking to the court on Tuesday, the former No. 1 in the PIF ATP Rankings was unable to hold back the tears as he listened to his country’s anthem, knowing that it might be the last time he did so before going to battle on court.
“It’s been an emotional day,” said Nadal later after falling to a straight-sets defeat in his Davis Cup Final 8 clash with Botic van de Zandschulp. “I knew it could be my last match as a professional tennis player. The moments leading up to it were emotional, kind of difficult to handle, in general. So many emotions. I tried to do it as well as possible.”
Seeing the humour even on times like this… only Rafa 🥲@RafaelNadal | @DavisCup | #RafaSiempre | #DavisCup pic.twitter.com/mv5WVKcxvU
— ATP Tour (@atptour) November 19, 2024
The Spanish legend’s best effort was unable to see off the Netherlands’ Van de Zandschulp, who earned his country a 1-0 lead in the quarter-final tie with a 6-4, 6-4 win after one hour and 51 minutes. Carlos Alcaraz then downed Tallon Griekspoor in straight sets to force a deciding doubles rubber in Malaga, but Wesley Koolhof and Van de Zandschulp later clinched a 2-1 win that ended Nadal’s career with a straight-sets doubles triumph against Alcaraz and Marcel Granollers.
“I tried to have the best attitude possible, with the necessary energy, whatever the result,” continued Nadal after his singles defeat. “There was a glimmer of hope at the end, but it wasn’t to be. My opponent was better than me today and that’s that.”
Nadal had not competed since bowing out to Novak Djokovic in the second round at the Olympic Games in Paris in July. Since then, he has only been able to train on the practice court. However, he felt ready enough to be available to his captain, David Ferrer, for the tie.
“The decision was made that I would play. We knew it was a slightly risky decision. David had seen us all practising and we all thought I was the right player for the match,” explained the 92-time tour-level champion. “I tried, it wasn’t to be, in the end you can’t control your level, just your attitude, your energy, and your determination. That didn’t let me down. I simply wasn’t able to do what was required to get Spain a point.”
Nadal’s form was always an unknown factor: “I said that if I didn’t feel it, I wouldn’t play,” he reminded journalists. “I think my practice was good enough, but in competition I wasn’t able to perform as I would have liked. But the preparation was good.”
With the end of his career so close, two inevitable questions arose. Firstly, would he ever play a singles match again? The man himself answered: “Hopefully there is another opportunity, and we progress today. I think I would play a different player if I were captain, although I don’t have the power to make that decision now, it’s not up to me.”
Ultimately, however, the Netherlands’ triumph ensured Nadal was not to experience one more match as a pro.
“I would experience it every day if I could,” Nadal had said when Spain remained alive in the tie. “But one thing is that I would like, and another is what’s best for the team. What an individual feels like isn’t necessarily the best for the team.
“It’s not for a lack of desire, of course I have the desire. I’m here because of my desire. Hopefully the situation arises. I’ll keep working to be available in doubles or singles. I’m just saying that having seen my level in competition, I think if I was captain, I wouldn’t select me.”
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With nothing for the Spaniard left to prove and with a legendary career already in the bag, nobody can blame him for today’s result. He battled until the final point. He fought to come back when nothing was going for him: the speed of the court, a lack of match time, and an opponent who was better on the day.
“Even when I’ve won, I’ve always been tough and self-critical of myself,” said the 22-time major champion. “To try and improve, I’ve always looked for the negatives. But today, which may be my last match, I’m not going to be hard on myself. I had nothing more. That’s the reality.”
Editor’s note: This story was translated from ATPTour.com/es
To celebrate the end of Rafael Nadal’s historic career at this week’s Davis Cup Final 8, ATPTour.com is publishing a series of articles paying tribute to the Spaniard. View our #RafaSiempre series.
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CINCINNATI (November 19, 2024) – The Cincinnati Open reached a pivotal moment in its $260 million campus transformation with a topping-out ceremony this week, marking the completion of the structural framework for several major projects. This milestone, which comes just 85 days after the conclusion of the 2024 tournament, was celebrated as one of the final steel beams was signed and installed on the new Clubhouse building, symbolizing progress toward a reimagined venue for one of the world’s most prestigious tennis tournaments.
[ATP AWARDS]“This is an exciting milestone for the Cincinnati Open,” said Beemok Sports & Entertainment President Bob Moran. “We are grateful for the dedication of Barton Malow and all of the contractors on site who are bringing our vision of a world-class, year-round campus to life. As we approach the 2025 tournament, these developments will significantly enhance the experience for players, fans and the local community.”
<img alt=”As a part of Cincinnati Open’s 2025 extension plans, a 19,000-square-foot Pavilion is designed as a central fan gathering space at the tournament. ” style=”width:100%;’;” src=”/-/media/images/news/2024/11/20/20/30/the-pavilion-cincinnati-open.jpg?w=100%25″ />
Photo Credit: Cincinnati Open
Over the past 12 weeks, crews have already worked more than 130,000 hours, placing more than 260 tons of steel and pouring 2,000 cubic yards of concrete. When completed, the renovation will nearly double the campus size to 40.5 acres, adding key features such as a 55,000-square-foot Clubhouse with a year-round restaurant, a six-court indoor tennis facility, and a 19,000-square-foot Pavilion designed as a central fan gathering space.
<img alt=”Posing with the signed beam are (L to R) State Representative Adam Mathews, Mason Vice Mayor Ashley Chance, Warren County Commissioner Dave Young, Beemok Sports & Entertainment President Bob Moran, Cincinnati Open Capital Projects Director Jansen Dell and Barton Malow Senior Vice President Sean Hollister.” style=”width:100%;” src=”/-/media/images/news/2024/11/20/20/17/cincinnati-open-topping-out-group-shot.jpg” />
Posing with the signed beam are (L to R) State Representative Adam Mathews, Mason Vice Mayor Ashley Chance, Warren County Commissioner Dave Young, Beemok Sports & Entertainment President Bob Moran, Cincinnati Open Capital Projects Director Jansen Dell and Barton Malow Senior Vice President Sean Hollister. Photo Credit: Cincinnati Open.
The transformation is part of a collaboration between tournament owner Beemok Capital, the City of Mason, Warren County, and the State of Ohio. The project is set to create more than 800 jobs and is on track for completion by August 2025, in time for the tournament’s expansion to 14 days and a 96-player draw for both men’s and women’s singles.
Founded in 1899, the Cincinnati Open is one of five events in the world to feature concurrent, top-tier ATP and WTA 1000-level tournaments, joining Madrid, Miami, Rome and Indian Wells, Calif. The 2024 Cincinnati Open attracted more than 200,000 spectators and crowned the eventual year-end No. 1 players – Aryna Sabalenka and Jannik Sinner – as its singles champions. The 2025 tournament will take place 5-18 August.
[NEWSLETTER FORM]Great Britain missing out on a first Billie Jean King Cup final for 43 years “stings”, but Katie Boulter believes the team are close to ending their wait for glory.
When the pressure peaks and the moment demands brilliance, Carlos Alcaraz almost never falters.
The 21-year-old powered past Tallon Griekspoor 7-6(0), 6-3 on Tuesday evening to level Spain’s Davis Cup quarter-final tie with the Netherlands at 1-1. After Rafael Nadal, competing in his final tour-level event, had fallen to Botic van de Zandschulp in straight-sets, it was down to Alcaraz to prolong his idol’s career.
VAMOS CARLITOS 🇪🇸 @carlosalcaraz keeps Spain alive, leveling the tie against the Netherlands! 1⃣ – 1⃣@DavisCup | #DavisCup pic.twitter.com/XOpAPNPQqf
— ATP Tour (@atptour) November 19, 2024
Trailing 2-4 in the first set, Alcaraz turned the match on its head with some typically scintillating tennis. The flawless end to the first set was the second time that Alcaraz won a tie-break 7/0 against Griekspoor in their Lexus ATP Head2Head series, which the Spaniard now leads 5-0.
Alcaraz will return to the court alongside Marcel Granollers for the deciding doubles rubber. They will take on Wesley Koolhof, who is also retiring at the end of the event, and Van de Zandschulp.
[NEWSLETTER FORM]Alex Michelsen is set to return to the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF armed with an extra year of experience, another inch of height and 20 more pounds of muscle. Having entered Jeddah shortly after his Top 100 breakthrough in the PIF ATP Rankings last year, the American has been in the Top 50 since August.
Not bad for a young man who thought professional tennis was a pipe dream until he recently burst onto the scene.
“Two years ago this time I never thought I would be a professional tennis player,” said the 20-year-old. “I was always solid. I was never too good. I wasn’t like a Carlos [Alcaraz] or a Holger [Rune], who everyone knew was good. I was good, but I wasn’t great.”
Following a breakout run to the Newport final last season, Michelsen was seeded fourth in Jeddah, where he lost two fifth-set tie-breaks and missed out on the knockout rounds. After reaching the Newport final again this season — making him the youngest player since Alcaraz to reach consecutive finals at an ATP Tour event — he returns this year as the second seed. Facing the 6-foot-5 Michelsen will be a tall task for any opponent.
“It’s a big stage. The top eight 20-and-under players in the world,” Michelsen previewed. “It’s tough, but I think I’ll know to handle it a little better this year.”
[ATP AWARDS]Michelsen said he feels stronger and fitter than ever after dedicating himself to fitness work since late 2023. He has put in the hard hours with fitness coach Rodney Harrison, who trained Robby Ginepri — Michelsen’s current coach — when he was on the ATP Tour.
“I think that the gym work is just as important, if not more important than the tennis stuff now, at least for me,” said Michelsen, noting that coordination is key for success in his tall and lanky frame.
While Michelsen’s fitness continues to improve, Ginepri calls his tennis IQ his best asset.
“He loves the game,” said Ginepri. “If he’s not playing, he’s watching it. If he’s not watching it, he’s thinking about it. He’s a student of the game, which is great to see at his age.”
Before his instant success on the ATP Tour, Michelsen was considering becoming a student of a different kind and seeking a business degree in college. Instead, his stock is rising on the pro level.
“Being on the Tour is a lot more fun,” he said. “I’m super happy with the decision I made.”
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Rafael Nadal loses in what might prove to be the final match of his career as Davis Cup hosts Spain fall behind against the Netherlands.
Great Britain miss out on a place in the Billie Jean King Cup final as Heather Watson and Olivia Nicholls lose the deciding doubles against Slovakia.